Anantnag

This article is about the municipality in India. For its namesake district, see Anantnag district.

Not to be confused with Anant Nag.

Template:Infobox Indian jurisdiction Anantnag (Kashmiri: अनन्तनाग/ اننتناگ /Anaṁtnāg/, meaning abode of springs and lakes), (An-ant=un-ending, Naga=Springs) a city and a municipality in Anantnag district in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, India. Anantnag is regarded as the commercial and financial capital of the valley of Kashmir. It is also the largest business and trading center of the valley.

The district as well as its headquarter city are called by same name.

Etymology

According to ancient mythological stories, the name Anant Nag is given to the place because Lord Shiva during his journey to Amarnath cave left all his valuables on the way and Anant Nag was the place where he is supposed to have left countless number of serpents residing on him.The city finds its place in the Bhagavadgita that says "I am Ananta Naga" It is also well mentioned in ancient Naga and Pichash cronicals of ancient aboriginals of the valley.It was also known as Kashyapteshwara in ancient times linking it to the mythology of Rishi Kashyapa.Regarding this second name no mention is to be found in the old chronicles of Kashmir. However, the name of Islamabad was assigned to the city by one Islam Khan who was a high official of Kashmir during the Mughal rule in 1663 A.D. and is credited to have laid the foundation and established the modern city. The change in its nomenclature proved temporary and during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh the town as well as district again resumed their old name, Anantnag.

Anant also means numerous in the Sanskrit language and Naga means spring in the Kashmiri language. Thus Anantnag is believed to mean numerous springs, because there are many springs, including Nag Bal, Salak Nag and Malik Nag in the town.The name of Anantnag District according to a well known archaeologist, Sir A. Stein,comes from the great spring Ananta Naga issuing at the center of the city. This is also corroborated by almost all local historians including Kalhana according to whom the city has taken the name of this great spring of Cesha or Ananta Naga land of countless springs. The spring is mentioned in the Neelmat Purana as a sacred place for the Hindus and Koshur Encyclopedia testifies it.

History

Anantnag is an ancient city which came into existence as a market town around 5000 B.C. making it one of the oldest urban human settlements in the whole world.Before the advent of Muslim rule in 1320 A.D., Kashmir was divided into three divisions, viz; Maraz in the south, Yamraj in the centre and Kamraj in the north of the Valley. Old chronicles reveal that the division was the culmination of the rift Marhan and Kaman, the two brothers, over the crown of their father. The part of the valley which lies between Pir Panjal and Srinagar now called the Anantnag was given to Marhan and named after him as Maraj. While Srinagar is no longer known as Yamraj, the area to its north and south are still called Kamraz and Maraz respectively. Lawrence in his book "The Valley of Kashmir" states that these divisions were later on divided into thirty four sub-divisions which after 1871 were again reduced to five Zilas or districts. According to old map of Britain (1836) the real name of Anantnag is Islamabad.

Historic sites and remains

Anantnag, like the rest of the Kashmir Valley, has witnessed many vicissitudes and experienced many upheavals from time to time. Charles von Hügel found here some monuments of the Mughal period in ruins when he visited Jammu and Kashmir in 1835. No significant ancient building or archaeological site is found in the district today, except for the Martand temple, as most of the ancient architectural monuments in the area were destroyed during the rule of Sultan Sikander. What must have once been magnificent architectural show pieces like the Martand complex of temples, or the temples of Lalitaditya, the Emperor of Kashmir, and King Awantivarman at Awantipora (which lie midway between Srinagar and Anantnag), are now in grand ruins.

Martand Sun Temple

The Martand temple is one of the important archaeological sites of the country. The temple was attacked by Sikander Butshikan. It took one year for Sikander Butshikan to fully damage and destroy this Martand temple. Even today one gets surprised over art and skill of the builders of this world famous Martand temple by looking at its ruins. Its impressive architecture reveals the glorious past of the area. The Government of India, after Independence, developed many beauty spots of the district, but of their noble and magnificent edifices only faint traces survive. This temple has the typical Aryan structure as was present in Aryan Kashmir.

The Martand temple (coordinates 33°44′44″N 75°13′13″E) is situated at Rambirpora kehribal, nine kilometres east-north-east of Anantnag district headquarters.

Geography

Anantnag is located at 33.73°N 75.15°E / 33.73; 75.15, at an elevation of 5,300 feet (1,600 m) above sea level, at a distance of 33 miles (53 km) from the main state-headquarters Srinagar.

The city is constituted by three main boroughs or towns Viz Anantnag, Khanabal, Mattan and half a dozen small townships. Most of the population of the city resides in the Anantnag borough. The old city of Anantnag comprises Nagbal, Maliknag, Kadipora, Cheeni Chowk, Doni Pawa, Pehroo, Sarnal Bala, Janglatmandi, Old Port Khanabal, Downtown Martand, & Dangarpora areas and few villages like Haji Danter, Mir Danter etc. The new city consists of the civil lines areas like S.K. Colony, Bakshiabad, Laizbal, Anchidora, Pehroo Iqbalabad, Posh Bilal Colony, Fasilabad, Moomin-Abad, Harnag, Sultan Bah-i-Rum Shah and Mid town areas like Bona Checheri Pora, Ruhu, Monghall, Lalan, Furrah, Kamad, Bona Dialgam, Pathbugh, Ashshjipora, Naibasti, Batpora and Mir Bazaar. Anantnag has quite a population inhabiting several satellite areas like Wanpoh, Dialgam, Fatehpora, Nowgam, Seer, Fateh Garh University town and NH 1 A north and east.

Near Anantnag three streams namely Arapath, Brengi and Sandran confluence together, thus giving birth to river Veth (Jhelum). There are several big rivers like Brengi, etc. Another stream Lidar also joins the flow with them at a little distance downstream further ahead. From this place the river becomes navigable. In olden times river Jhelum was the main source of transportation between Anantnag and other towns downstream.

The distances of different towns and cities from Anantnag are Achabal - 6 miles (9.7 km), Kokarnag - 14 miles (23 km), Verinag - 17 miles (27 km), Pahalgam - 24 miles (39 km) and Srinagar - 33 miles (53 km).

Anantnag is a city of various handicrafts. Shawl weaving, Gabbah (a type of carpet) and Namdah (Urdu for rug) manufacturing are the main trades.

Climate

Anantnag District possesses all the typical characteristics of the climate of Kashmir Valley as a whole. In his introduction to the Rajtarangini Kulan or Kakhana Pundit says about the climate of Valley: 'It is a country where the sun shines mildly, being the place created by Kashayapa as if for his glory. High school-houses, the saffron, iced water and grapes, which are rare even in heaven, are common here. Kailasa is the best place in the three worlds, Himalaya the best part of Kailasa, and Kashmir the best place in Himalaya'. Sir Walter Lawrence writes in his book The Valley of Kashmir that in latitude Kashmir corresponds with Peshawar, Baghdad and Damascus in Asia: with Fez in Morocco: and South Carolina in America, but it presents none of the characteristics of those countries. People have linked the climate of Kashmir to that of Switzerland until the end of May, and of Southern France in July and August. But it is impossible to speak of Kashmir as possessing any one climate or group of characteristics. Every hundred feet of elevation brings some new phase of climate and of vegetation.

Demographics

Total population of Anantnag is 1,81,235 as per latest provisional figures released by Directorate of Census Operations in Jammu and Kashmir. This shows increase of 37.48 percent in 2011 compared to figures of 2001 census. Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir comprises an area of 2917 km² which includes 1882 km² of Forest area. As per census 2011, density of Anantnag District per square km is 375 compared to 294 per km² of 2001.

Sex ratio of girls in Anantnag district per 1000 boys was recorded 937 i.e. an increase of 26 points from the figure of 2001 census which puts it at 911.

In 2011 census, data of Anantnag district regarding child under 0-6 age were also collected. There were total 206,338 children under age of 0-6 against 0 of 2001 census. Of total 206,338 male and female were 112,661 and 93,677 respectively. Child Sex Ratio as per census 2011 was 831 compared to 0 of census 2001. Children’s proportion in total population was around 8.53 percent. This figure was around 7.67 percent as per 2001 census.

In education sector, Anantnag District is having average literacy rate of 64.32 percent. Male literacy and female literacy were 74.13 and 54.15 percent respectively. In all, there were total 555,608 literates compared to 0 literates of 2001 census.

Highlights of 2011 Census

Total population is 1,070,144 compared to 778,408 of 2001. Male and female were 552,404 and 517,740 respectively. Population Growth for Anantnag District recorded in 2011 for the decade has remained 37.48 percent. Same figure for 1991-2001 decade was 32.77 percent. Total Area of Anantnag District was 2917 km² with average density of 375 per km². Anantnag Population constituted 8.53 percent of total Jammu and Kashmir Population. Sex Ratio of Anantnag District is now 937, while child sex ratio (0-6) is 831 per 1000 boys. Children below 0-6 age were 206,338 which forms 19.28 of total Anantnag District population. Average Literacy rate for Anantnag District is 64.32 percent, a change of from past figure of 0.00 percent. In India, literacy rate is counted only for those above 7 years of age. Child between 0-6 ages are exempted from this. Total literates in the Anantnag District increased to 555,608. All the data regarding Anantnag District Population were released by Directorate of Census Operations in Jammu and Kashmir. For more information kindly visit Anantnag district.

Tourism

The Anantnag district is not only the rice bowl of the Valley, it is equally rich in landscape. The nature has been generous in gifting the district with places of unparallel beauty. The district can rightly boast of possessing the largest number of health resorts in the whole State. Of them particular mention may be made of Verinag, Kokernag, Achabal, Daksum and world famous health resort of Pahalgam. Before the advent of armed insurrection in the state, during the summer months these places used to be filled to the brim by tourists coming from all parts of the country and a large number of foreign tourists also used to visit these places. But since the early 1990s, strategic areas of all of these pleasure spots have been occupied by Indian army and paramilitary forces. In addition, the Government has preferred a policy of environmentally hazardous development program which mainly consist of building concrete structures in these places, thus harming their natural beauty and the ecological balance. These problems have been aggravated because of the theft of natural resources, particularly forests and water-bodies, by smugglers and anti-socials who work in tandem with the Indian troops and government.

Pahalgam

Main article: Pahalgam

This world famous hill station is 45 km. from the District Head Quarter at Anantnag and located on the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district and tehsil head quarters are located in the main town of Pahalgam. Once a great tourist puller and favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films is perhaps the best health resort in the country. Pahalgam also serves as base camp for the famous Amarnath Ji Yatra. The Pahalgam Valley presents glamorous look due to its pine forests, snow clad mountains, healthy climate and vast meadows and pastures. Pahalgam skirts Lidder river and torrential flow of water in Lidder river enriches the awesome beauty of the Valley. Besides tourist huts, several hotels in private sector have come up here and these hotels provide modern facilities to their guests. A number of treks in this region also begin from Pahalgam, as the 35 km trail traverses through pinewoods to the spectacular Kolahoi Glacier.

Achabal

Main article: Achabal

Achabal is an important tourist place about 8 kilometres away from Anantnag. The place is fmous and attractivedue to an ancient spring surrounded by a garden terraced and developed by the Mughals. The place has got some historical background also. The upper portion of the garden is called 'Bag-e-Begum Abad' developed by Malika Noor Jehan Begum in 1620 AD and renowned as Sahib Abad in which there was a Hamam (treasure of water) getting heat from a logical lamp (Tosng).

Kokernag

Main article: Kokernag

It is famous for its trout streams and the largest fresh water spring in Kashmir, Trout hatchery department which has constructed pools in series where in trout is reared. Different pools have got trout with different weights and ages. Departments sells it to the tourists who find it a delicious dish and enjoy it. Kokernag is eight miles form Achabal and famous for the curative properties of its beautiful springs. The total area of Kokernag is 300 Kanals of which 129 kanals is for the purpose of gardens and the rest is forest area. Kokernag has some historical importance also. Kokernag has been mentioned in Ain Akbari, where in it has been mentioned that the water of Kokernag satisfies both hunger and thirst and its is also a remedy for indigestion. The author of Ain Akbari notices that touch-stone is found in Kokernag.

Verinag

Main article: Verinag

Verinag spring is of great importance and beauty, with deep blue water which issues from the bottom of a high scrap of a mountain spur and here also Emperor Jehangir built a garden and pleasure house. The Verinag spring is about 26 kilometers away from Anantnag and is considered as the original source of river Jehlum. The spring is situated at the bottom of hill covered by pine trees and evergreen plants. The wonderful and charming construction of the spring as well as it's adjacent garden compel the visitors to see it again and again. The construction of the banks of spring as well as it's surroundings is of rare shape.

Daksum

Main article: Daksum

Located in the dense forests, this scenic spot falls on the Anantnag-Semthan-Kishtwar road. A gushing stream flows through Daksum which is rich in trout fish. It is a forest retreat girdled by mountains. The surrounding forests are famous for fauna and flora. This famous tourist sport is in the south east of Anantnag City and is about a distance of 40 kilometers from district headquarter.

Sports

Adventure sports are popular among tourists. Pahalgam has potential for canoeing and water skiing. Water trekking is local name for three to four day trip along the Jhelum River in a shikara with camping gear. Aru (58 km) and Pahalgam (45 km) are popular destinations for hikers, trekkers and fishermen.

Sports like football and cricket are popular among schoolchildren as well as adults.

Schools

• Shemford Futuristic School, Anantnag
• Delhi Public School
• New Age Institute
• Radiant Public School
• EFF EMM School

Transport

Road Transport is usually preferred by the people. Anantnag has a station on the Kashmir Railway at Khanabal.

Performing arts

Main article: Music of Kashmir

Performing arts of the city include:

• Bhand Pather, a form of traditional folk theatre art form of play and dance, is performed by a group of about ten to fifteen artists. They depict in a satirical style social evils. Performance is accompanied by light music.
• Chakri is a major and popular form of Kashmiri folk music.
• Another form of Kashmiri genre of music called Sufiana music is also practiced in the city. It was introduced in the valley in the 15th century from Iran. Over centuries, it has assimilated a number of Indian Ragas, and has established itself as a classical music of the region. The instruments used in the music include santoor, sitar, Kashmiri saz, tabla, and wasool.
• Hafiz Nagma, a form of dance, is performed to the accompaniment of Sufiana music. The dancer is a female while males play different instruments used in Sufiana music.
• Drama and film making

See also

• Anantnag District
• Doru shahabad
• Khanabal
• Chowgam